Question 1

Ambient air, which contains 21% oxygen (O₂) and a small amount (0.03%) of carbon dioxide (CO₂) is the environmental condition that best suits which type of organism?

Accepted Answer

Various types of microorganisms require different atmospheric conditions. Aerobes grow best in the presence of ambient air.

Question 2

Reduced O₂ (5% to 10%) and increased CO₂ (8% to 10%) is the environmental condition that best suits which type of organism?

Accepted Answer

Various types of microorganisms require different atmospheric conditions. Microaerophiles grow best in the presence of reduced of oxygen and increased carbon dioxide.

Question 3

A principal role of the clinical microbiologist includes

Accepted Answer

The role of the clinical microbiologist is many faceted, including in addition to conducting actual testing, such roles as monitoring testing results, devising protocols, and communicating effectively.

Question 4

Which type of media is designed to support the growth of one group of organisms, but not another, by containing antimicrobials, dyes, or alcohol?

Accepted Answer

Many different types of media exist and serve many different purposes in clinical microbiology. Some types are selective in that they contain antimicrobials, dyes, or alcohol that causes the support of the growth of one group of organisms, but not another.

Question 5

Holding media such as Stuart's medium and Amie's medium are used

Accepted Answer

Holding medium is designed to maintain viability but not support the multiplication of bacteria present.

Question 6

Which type of media is designed to support the growth of a wide range of microorganisms?

Accepted Answer

Many different types of media exist and serve many different purposes in clinical microbiology. Some types are basically nutritive and support the growth of many different types of microorganisms.

Question 7

Nutritive media is designed especially to

Accepted Answer

Many different types of media exist and serve many different purposes in clinical microbiology. Some types are basically nutritive and support the growth of many different types of microorganisms.

Question 8

Aerobes grow best in

Accepted Answer

Various types of microorganisms require different atmospheric conditions. Aerobes grow best in the presence of ambient air.

Question 9

Definitive identification of clinically significant isolates

Accepted Answer

Definitive identification of clinically significant isolates, although desirable in most cases, is not always necessary and often not cost effective. Limited identification may be helpful and all that is necessary.

Question 10

Accurate and rapid presumptive identification

Accepted Answer

All of the statements given are True in regard to accurate and rapid presumptive identification of clinically significant isolates.

Question 11

Rejection of inappropriately collected or transported specimens

Accepted Answer

Specimen quality is critical in providing good test results and every effort should be made to ensure optimal quality.

Question 12

Selective media is designed especially to

Accepted Answer

Many different types of media exist and serve many different purposes in clinical microbiology. Some types are selective in that they contain antimicrobials, dyes, or alcohol that causes the support of the growth of one group of organisms, but not another.

Question 13

Which type of media is designed to distinguish microorganisms on the basis of certain growth characteristics?

Accepted Answer

Many different types of media exist and serve many different purposes in clinical microbiology. Some types are differential in that they allow discrimination of microorganisms on the basis of certain growth characteristics.

Question 14

Five percent to 10% hydrogen (H₂), 5% to 10% CO₂, 80% to 90% nitrogen (N₂), and 0% O₂ is the environmental condition that best suits which type of organism?

Accepted Answer

Various types of microorganisms require different atmospheric conditions. Anaerobes grow best in the absence of oxygen.

Question 15

Increased concentrations of CO₂ (5% to 10%) and approximately 15% O₂ is the environmental condition that best suits which type of organism?

Accepted Answer

Various types of microorganisms require different atmospheric conditions. Capnophiles grow best in the presence of increased levels of carbon dioxide.

Question 16

Specimens for microbiologic studies should be

Accepted Answer

All of the statements given are True in regard to specimen handling in the microbiology laboratory.

Question 17

Selection of media to inoculate for any given specimen is usually based on

Accepted Answer

The decision to use or not use a particular medium for a specimen is based on all the criteria given.

Question 18

The best anticoagulant that can be used to prevent clotting of specimens such as blood, bone marrow, and synovial fluid that are submitted for recovery of all types of microorganisms is

Accepted Answer

Sodium polyanethol sulfonate (SPS) is the least inhibitory anticoagulant, which makes it the best choice for preserving blood, bone marrow, and synovial fluid.

Question 19

Direct examinations such as the Gram stain serve what purpose?

Accepted Answer

Direct examinations enable the laboratory scientist to assess the quality of the specimen, give the physician an early indication of possible pathogens, and gain insight to guide the workup of the specimen.

Question 20

Differential media is designed especially to

Accepted Answer